Volcanoes for Kids

An aerial view of a summit crater on Mount Rainier.

NPS photo

Mount Rainier is an Active Volcano

Over the last 500,000 years five periods of eruptions added layer upon layer of rock to Mount Rainier. The mountain is now 14,410 feet tall. That’s the height of ten stacked Empire State buildings.

Volcano scientists are watching and studying Mount Rainier for signs of a future eruption. Although it is not showing signs that it will erupt anytime soon, Mount Rainier is considered an active volcano.

The biggest hazard to people is from lahars (volcanic mudslides) that can happen even without an eruption. Communities around the mountain practice safety drills for a lahar, much like many communities do for tornadoes and earthquakes.

 

A panoramic view of Mount Rainier.

NPS/ Kevin Bacher

Earthquakes are one thing that scientists study to looks for signs of an eruption.
To find out more about the hazards of an eruption from Mount Rainier click here.

Mineral spring, lava ridges, and fumaroles are all volcanic features present at Mount Rainier.
Click here for more information about volcanic features.

Click here to view an awesome Volcano Eruption Model you can print!

Click here to view or print a document all about Mount Rainier’s geology.

Want to see real time updates and monitoring of the Cascade volcanoes? Check out the Cascade Volcano Observatory.

 

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